Ride apparatus

ABSTRACT

An amusement ride includes an output member having an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted for six degrees of movement The ride further includes a passenger station in moveable engagement with said output member, a platform, and optionally a ticket reader.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to ride apparatus and particularly (but not exclusively) to ride apparatus used in amusement parks and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A variety of amusement rides is known for use in amusement parks. Such rides typically comprise dodgem, log flume, roller coaster and vertical drop rides. However, these rides are commonplace and there is an increasing demand for new, novel rides to maintain interest in said parks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Accordingly, the present invention provides an amusement ride comprising an output member having an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted for six degrees of movement, said ride further comprising a passenger station in moveable engagement with said output member, a platform, and optionally a ticket reader.

[0004] The amusement ride is preferably supported on the ground. Alternatively, the amusement ride may be supported from a wall or from a ceiling.

[0005] More preferably, the ride may be mounted on a carousel. Alternatively, the ride may be mounted on a column The column may be provided with means to cause vertical movement of the ride along a path parallel to the axis of the column Alternatively, the ride may be mounted on a column which is in turn mounted on a carousel.

[0006] The passenger station preferably comprises one or more seats.

[0007] The passenger station preferably has means for audio-visual interaction. The audio-visual interaction may be respectively provided by speakers and a display means.

[0008] The visual and audio interaction may, separately or together, be synchronized with movements of the ride.

[0009] The audio and visual interaction data is stored on a data carrier. The data carrier may be a Mini Disc (MD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical device, a video tape, a hard drive, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or other equivalent data carrier. The audio and visual interaction data may be stored on a combination of any two or more of the aforementioned data carriers

[0010] Lighting effects may be used throughout the audio-visual interaction. The lighting effects may be synchronized with the ride. The lighting effects may comprise, for example, strobe, laser or disco light shows or any combination thereof.

[0011] The display means may be a plasma screen, a liquid crystal display, an active matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, or a Light Emitting Polymer (LEP) display

[0012] The visual interaction may alternatively be provided by a projector and screen The seats preferably comprise retaining means to retain a passenger when the ride is operable.

[0013] The retaining means may comprise a belt, for example, a safety belt or a pull down rigid harness or similar harness Alternatively, the retaining means may comprise a cage.

[0014] The retaining means is preferably in operative engagement with a linear actuator.

[0015] The amusement ride may further comprise a weight sensor, said weight sensor providing a means to counter out of balance loads Alternatively, the weight sensor provides a means to counter a maximum weight overload

[0016] The amusement ride may further comprise a controller The controller is preferably located in the passenger station. Alternatively, the controller is located at a passenger entrance to the ride.

[0017] The controller may be used to select a pre-programmed ride. Alternatively, the controller may be used to control the amusement ride independently of the pre-programmed ride

[0018] The controller is preferably a joystick Alternatively, the controller may be a steering wheel or a joypad.

[0019] The controller may further comprise one or more foot pedals

[0020] The controller may comprise a combination of the aforementioned joystick and/or steering wheel and/or joypad and/or foot pedals

[0021] The ticket reader can read a ticket, said ticket preferably being compatible with said ride The ticket may be a card made of a plastics material. The ticket preferably has a code defining a pre-programmed ride The code is preferably a bar code. Alternatively, the code may be contained in a microchip incorporated in the ticket

[0022] The platform preferably comprises one or more steps, with a raised platform in operative engagement with said steps. The platform, in use, may suitably be adapted for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis

[0023] The platform is preferably raised and lowered about its axis by means of an actuator. The actuator may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated. The platform may be raised or lowered about its axis by a combination of hydraulic or pneumatic actuators

[0024] Alternatively, the platform may be fixed and the amusement ride may be adapted to be lowered to a position which allows the ingress and egress of passengers respectively on to or off from the amusement ride

[0025] In a further alternative the platform may be retracted into a stowage compartment and, in use, said platform is extended from the stowage compartment to engage with the ride in a lowered position

[0026] The platform may be retracted and extended by means of one or more actuators. The actuators may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated, or a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic operation

[0027] The platform preferably further comprises a safety barrier. The safety barrier, in use, may suitably be adapted for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis Alternatively, the platform and safety barrier may each be adapted for pivotal movement about a substantially 45° axis (relative to the ground).

[0028] The safety barrier is preferably operated about its axis by means of an actuator. The actuator may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated.

[0029] The amusement ride preferably further comprises safety means. Preferably the safety means is controlled by a computer

[0030] Preferably the safety means comprises actuators The actuators may be electro-mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated, or a combination of electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic operation.

[0031] The safety means preferably limits a G-force generated by the amusement ride

[0032] The amusement ride may comprise more than one of said rides. Where two or more rides are employed they may be programmed to move synchronously. Alternatively, it may be programmed to move asynchronously Two or more rides may be used in a combat game.

[0033] The ride may be water-proofed for use in a “splash park”.

[0034] The ride may comprise water cannons for use in a combat-type game in a splash park.

[0035] The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In the drawings:

[0037]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an amusement ride output member in accordance with the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 2A is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in an operative condition during a ride;

[0039]FIG. 2B is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in another operative condition during a ride,

[0040]FIG. 2C is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in another operative condition during a ride,

[0041]FIG. 2D is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in another operative condition during a ride;

[0042]FIG. 2E is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in another operative condition during a ride;

[0043]FIG. 2F is a top view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in another operative condition during a ride;

[0044]FIG. 3A is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in an alternative mounted condition;

[0045]FIG. 3B is a side view of the amusement ride of FIG. 1 in another alternative mounted condition;

[0046]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing two amusement rides of FIG. 1 in a combat game;

[0047]FIG. 5A is a side view showing a passenger station in accordance with the present invention,

[0048]FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing a passenger station in accordance with the present invention,

[0049]FIG. 5C is a side view showing a passenger station in accordance with the present invention;

[0050]FIG. 6A is a side view showing a part of a first procedure for vacating the amusement ride;

[0051]FIG. 6B is a side view showing another part of a first procedure for vacating the amusement ride;

[0052]FIG. 6C is a side view showing another part of a first procedure for vacating the amusement ride,

[0053]FIG. 7A is a side view showing a part of a second procedure for vacating the amusement ride;

[0054]FIG. 7B is a side view showing another part of a second procedure for vacating the amusement ride;

[0055]FIG. 7C is a side view showing another part of a second procedure for vacating the amusement ride,

[0056]FIG. 8A is a side view showing a part of a third procedure for vacating the amusement ride;

[0057]FIG. 8B is a side view showing another part of a third procedure for vacating the amusement ride,

[0058]FIG. 8C is a side view showing another part of a third procedure for vacating the amusement ride,

[0059]FIG. 9A is a side view showing the use of linear actuators or safety interlocks in the operation of a retaining means;

[0060]FIG. 9B is a side view showing the use of linear actuators or safety interlocks in the operation of a retaining means;

[0061]FIG. 9C is a top view showing the use of linear actuators or safety interlocks in the operation of a retaining means,

[0062]FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the ride operatively connected with other rides for synchronous movement;

[0063]FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view showing combinations of rides operatively connected in an arrangement,

[0064]FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view showing combinations of rides operatively connected in an alternative arrangement;

[0065]FIG. 11C is a schematic perspective view showing combinations of rides operatively connected in an alternative arrangement;

[0066]FIG. 11D is a schematic perspective view showing combinations of rides operatively connected in an alternative arrangement,

[0067]FIG. 12A is a side view showing the ride adapted to be incorporated into a fairground ride, such as a carousel or the like;

[0068]FIG. 12B is a side view showing the ride adapted to be incorporated into a fairground ride, such as vertical lift, or the like

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] Referring to the drawings in particular, FIG. 1 shows an amusement ride 1 comprising a base portion 2 supported on the ground and a trunnion 7 mounted on the base portion 2 to give rotation about a substantially vertical axis A The trunnion 7 is in operative engagement with a first elongate member 4, said elongate member being adapted to move about a substantially horizontal axis B, said elongate member being in operative engagement with a second elongate member 6 adapted to move about a substantially horizontal axis C parallel to axis B. The second elongate member has a further 3 degrees of movement about the axis of said second elongate member 6 and a passenger station 15 in moveable engagement with said member The amusement ride movements about said axes are controlled by motors 16, 17 and 18

[0070]FIGS. 2A to 2F illustrate the various conditions that the amusement ride 1 of FIG. 1 may assume during a ride. The passenger station 15 is shown having two seats, 20 and 21.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, alternative mountings of the amusement ride are illustrated. The ride 1 may be supported from a wall 30 or a ceiling 40. The passenger station may also be configured so that arms and legs of a passenger are unsupported.

[0072]FIG. 4 shows two amusement rides 1 in use in a combat game. The two rides are diametrically opposed to each other at a predetermined distance X. Said rides are each mounted on a fixed base or (as shown) on a base 50 in sliding engagement with a rail track 51, the bases and the tracks being parallel with each other. The passenger stations 15 are provided with a controller 52 and with optical (e g. infra-red, photoelectric or laser) emitter and receiver assemblies 53, enabling the said passenger stations 15 to interact with each other In a splash park, the optical emitter and receiver assemblies may be substituted with one or more water cannons.

[0073] The ride is enclosed by a reticulated fence 44 having a closure 60 (for ingress and egress of passengers) and a ticket machine 61 located adjacent the closure 60, for passengers to buy tickets for said ride

[0074] The combat game is controlled by a computer 70 The computer 70 is integrated with the ticket machine 61 and with the two rides

[0075]FIGS. 5A and 5B show the passenger station 15. The passenger station 15 is in movable engagement with the output member 80 of the ride. The passenger station 15 comprises a seat 81 with a weight sensor 90 located in the seat 81, a joystick controller 83 and a display means 82.

[0076]FIG. 5C shows a passenger station 15 fitted with a pull down safety harness 84 The seat 81 is not contained in a capsule 85 (see FIG. 5A)

[0077]FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate an aligning procedure for the ride. The ride 1 is shown in a first operative condition 100, attained at the beginning or end of a ride. The robot then lowers to a second operative condition 101, where an optical emitter 200 and receiver 210 assembly, one of said emitter and receiver being located on the ride, ensure that the ride is in the correct aligned position One or more optical emitter and receiver assemblies may be used to monitor the aligned procedure. One or more optical emitter and receiver assemblies may be used to monitor a ride throughout a ride sequence. Concomitantly a platform 102, activated by hydraulics, is raised from a first operative condition 103 to a second operative condition 104 under the ride 1 (which is in a second operative condition 101). The passengers may then leave/enter the ride Alternatively, the platform 102 is fixed and the ride is located on a vertically moving pedestal 105 as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C The ride is in a first operative condition 100, attained at the beginning or at the end of a ride. The ride then lowers to an intermediate operative condition 107 The pedestal 105 is lowered to a second operative condition 101 bringing the passenger into contact with the fixed platform 102. Again, the aforementioned optical emitter and receiver-assemblies may be used to monitor the aligning procedure. The passengers may then enter or leave the ride 1

[0078] In a further alternative shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C the ride 1 is in a first operative condition 100, attained at the beginning or at the end of a ride. The robot then lowers to a second operative condition 101, where an optical emitter 200 and receiver 210 assembly, one of said emitter and receiver being located on said ride, to ensure that the ride is in the correct aligning position. One or more optical emitter and receiver assemblies may be used to monitor the aligning procedure. Concomitantly a platform 102 activated by hydraulics is extended from a first retracted condition 103 to a second operative condition 104 to engage with the ride 108. The engagement of the platform with the ride may facilitate part of a safety check for the above aligning procedure

[0079] Upon leaving the ride the retaining means (e g. a safety belt or cage) must be released FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate the use of shot bolt actuators 110 in releasing the retaining means. The shot bolt actuators can only be activated when the ride is in the aforementioned second operative condition 101 The shot bolt actuators 110 when activated release the retaining means 111, permitting the ingress and egress of passengers

[0080] One or more amusement rides 1 of the present invention may be linked by a computer so as to move synchronously. The rides are controlled by a supervisor and control station 120, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The amusement rides can also be programmed to move asynchronously to one another. The rides may also be assembled in various combinations as illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 11D

[0081] The base 2 of the amusement ride 1 of the present invention can be supported on a carousel 130, as illustrated in FIG. 12A One or more of said rides can be mounted onto the carousel The carousel 130 may alternatively have an elongate centrally located column 131, from which one or more of said rides 1 may be supported, as illustrated in FIG. 12B The rides can then also rotate and move in a vertical plane simultaneously

[0082] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 

1. An amusement ride comprising an output member having an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted for six degrees of movement, said ride further comprising a passenger station in movable engagement with said output member, a platform, and optionally a ticket reader.
 2. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1, in which said ride is supported on the ground.
 3. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1, in which said ride is supported from a wall.
 4. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1, in which said ride is supported from a ceiling.
 5. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1, in which said ride is mounted on a carousel.
 6. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1, in which said ride is mounted on a column.
 7. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 6, in which said column is provided with means to cause vertical movement of the ride along a path parallel to the axis of the column.
 8. An amusement ride, as claimed in claim 6 or 7, in which said column is mounted on a carousel.
 9. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the passenger station comprises one or more seats.
 10. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the passenger station has means for audio-visual interaction.
 11. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 10, in which the audiovisual interaction is respectively provided by speakers and a display means.
 12. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 11, in which the audiovisual interaction is synchronised with movements of the said ride.
 13. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, in which the audio-visual interaction is stored on a data carrier.
 14. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 13, in which the data carrier is a Mini Disc, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical device, a video tape, a hard drive, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or equivalent data carrier.
 15. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 14, in which the audiovisual interaction is stored on a combination of any two or more of said data carriers.
 16. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which lighting effects are used throughout the ride.
 17. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 16, in which the lighting effects are synchronised with the ride.
 18. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 16, or claim 17, in which the lighting effects comprise strobe, laser or disco light effects or any combination thereof.
 19. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 11, in which the display means comprises a plasma screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an active matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode display (OLED) or a Light Emitting Polymer (LEP) display.
 20. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 19, in which the passenger station seats include a retaining means.
 21. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 20, in which the retaining means comprises a belt or similar harness.
 22. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 20, in which the retaining means comprises a pull down harness.
 23. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the retaining means is in operative engagement with a linear actuator.
 24. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said ride further comprises a weight sensor.
 25. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 24, in which the weight sensor acts, in use, to counter out of balance loads.
 26. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 24, in which the weight sensor acts, in use, to counter a maximum weight overload.
 27. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said ride further comprises a controller.
 28. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 27, in which the controller is located in the passenger station.
 29. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 27, in which the controller is located at a passenger entrance to the ride.
 30. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 27, 28 or 29, in which the controller is used to select a pre-programmed ride.
 31. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 27, 28 or 29, in which the controller is used to control said amusement ride independently of the pre-programmed ride.
 32. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, in which the controller is a joystick.
 33. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, in which the controller is a steering wheel.
 34. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, in which the controller is a joypad.
 35. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 34, in which the controller further comprises one or more foot pedals.
 36. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 35, in which the controller comprises a combination of any one or more of the controllers as claimed in claims 32 to
 35. 37. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, in which the ticket reader can read a ticket, said ticket being compatible with said ride.
 38. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 37, in which the ticket is a card made from a plastics material.
 39. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 37 or 38, in which the ticket has a code defining a pre-programmed ride.
 40. An amusement ride as claimed claim 39, in which the ticket code is a bar code.
 41. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 39, in which the code is contained in a microchip incorporated in the ticket.
 42. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said ride comprises one or more steps with a platform in operative engagement with said steps.
 43. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 42, in which the platform is adapted for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis.
 44. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 42 or 43, in which the platform is raised and lowered about its axis by means of one or more actuators.
 45. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 44, in which the or each actuator is hydraulically or pneumatically operated.
 46. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, in which the platform is raised or lowered about its axis by a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.
 47. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41, in which said ride comprises one or more steps in engagement with a fixed platform.
 48. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41, in which a platform is retracted into a stowage box and, in use, said platform is extended to engage with the ride.
 49. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 48, in which the platform is retracted and extended by means of one or more actuators.
 50. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 49, in which the or each actuator is hydraulically or pneumatically operated.
 51. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 50, in which the platform is retracted and extended by means of a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.
 52. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 51, in which the platform further comprises a safety barrier.
 53. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 52, in which the safety barrier is adapted for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis.
 54. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 42, and in any one of claims 43 to 53, when dependent on claim 42, in which the platform and safety barrier are each adapted for pivotal movement about a substantially 45° axis.
 55. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said ride further comprises safety means.
 56. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 55, in which the safety means are controlled by a computer.
 57. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 55 or 56, in which the safety means comprises actuators.
 58. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 57, in which the actuators are electro-mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated, or a combination of Electro-Mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic operation.
 59. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 58, in which the safety means limits a G-force generated by said ride.
 60. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising more than one of said rides.
 61. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 60, in which two or more rides are programmed to move synchronously.
 62. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 61, in which two or more rides are programmed to move asynchronously.
 63. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the ride is fitted with optical emitter and receiver assembles to monitor an alighting procedure.
 64. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 63, in which the ride is fitted with optical emitter and receiver assemblies to monitor said ride throughout a ride sequence.
 65. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 63 or 64, in which the optical emitter and receiver assemblies are selected from the group consisting of infra-red, photoelectric and laser emitter and receiver assemblies.
 66. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 60, in which two or more rides are used in a combat game.
 67. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 66, in which the passenger stations of said rides are fitted with optical emitter and receiver assemblies as claimed in claim
 65. 68. An amusement ride as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said ride is waterproofed for use in a splash park.
 69. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 68, in which the ride is used as a combat ride and the optical emitter and receiver assemblies are replaced by one or more water cannons. 